Essential Winter Vacation Home-Preparation Tips from Shakley Mechanical
As the holiday season approaches, you may be one of many homeowners planning a well-deserved vacation with the family. Preparing your home for winter vacations gives you peace of mind while you’re away and helps prevent costly damages related to your HVAC and plumbing systems.
At Shakley Mechanical, your trusted neighbor and service provider, we want to help make your vacation as stress-free as possible by sharing tips for securing your home’s essential systems during your absence.
Preparing Your HVAC System
Before taking off on your winter getaway, give your HVAC system some attention to ensure it operates efficiently in your absence.
- Ensure the heating system is operating correctly. Have a professional HVAC technician, like our reliable team at Shakley Mechanical, perform a thorough inspection and necessary maintenance to ensure your heating system is in good working order.
- Keep the system running at a lower temperature. Maintain a thermostat setting of around 50-60°F to save energy while providing enough heat to prevent freezing pipes.
- Check and replace air filters. A clean air filter improves air quality and enhances your HVAC system’s efficiency. Replace or clean filters before leaving to guarantee your system runs smoothly in your absence.
- Clean the area around indoor air handling units. To enable optimal airflow and efficiency, keep your indoor air handler free from dust and debris.
Safeguarding Your Plumbing System
Taking preventative measures with your plumbing system can avoid disasters like frozen pipes or leaks while away.
- Turn off the main water supply. Shut off the main water valve to your home, significantly reducing the chances of any leaks or flooding.
- Drain the pipes. Open all faucets and flush toilets to remove water from your plumbing system and minimize the risk of freezing pipes.
- Insulate any exposed pipes. Keep hot and cold water pipes adequately insulated to prevent freezing, especially in unheated areas like garages or crawl spaces.
- Use smart home technology to monitor for leaks remotely. Invest in water leak detectors connected to your smartphone, allowing you to receive alerts for any unexpected water issues.
Additional Home-Prep Tips for Winter Vacations
Beyond HVAC and plumbing systems, consider these additional suggestions for safeguarding your home.
- Inspect the exterior of your home for vulnerabilities. Ensure your doors and windows are properly sealed, and address any visible weaknesses in your home’s exterior.
- Install security measures. Equip your home with security cameras and use timers for indoor and outdoor lights, helping to give the impression of an occupied home.
- Ask a neighbor or trusted friend to check on your home regularly. Have someone you trust to monitor your property and promptly notify you of any potential issues.
Secure Home, Peaceful Vacation: Trust Shakley Mechanical
Preparing your home for a worry-free winter vacation includes securing your HVAC and plumbing systems. By following these tips, you can enjoy your holiday with the confidence that your home is safe and well-maintained in your absence.
As your trusted neighbor and HVAC service provider, Shakley Mechanical is always here to help you stay warm and comfortable this winter. If you have any questions or need assistance with heating solutions, don’t hesitate to contact our team for reliable and approachable support. Please share this post with friends and family planning winter vacations, and let us help you make this holiday season as hassle-free as possible.